What criteria determines whether or not a Neurologist specializes in MS?

In my experience, and my opinion, the questions you should be asking are:

How many patients does the Neurologist see have MS?

Does that Neurologist attend MS Seminars?

Does that Neurologist stay current with the lastest information/studies/professional journals/periodicals/publications about MS?

Does the Neurologist treat you like a person and not a $$ sign and treat you and not the disease in a box?

These are more important questions and not whether or not the doctor is a specialist. There are more neurologists than there are MS Specialists and I do believe if you took a running poll of members, long time dx'd members, on any MS Forum, you will most likely find that the majority of them do not see MS Specialists.

You may want to see one for a second opinion, but from what I have found in my research, a lot of MS Specialists tend not to see patients on a regualar basis. They do consulations, get called in for second opinions, conduct research, look/write for grants, but don't see patients on a regular basis like neurologists do. They also tend to take on the more difficult cases, and have long waiting lists which makes it hard to get in to see them when you need to see the doc ASAP.

Don't get me wrong...they have their place in the pecking order just like in any area of medicine. Find a neurologist that has a lot of MS patients...and you will more than likely find one that has a good knowledge base and will take the time to treat you properly. Not always, but I bet most of the time.

Interview them.

Greta's idea of contacting the NMSS office in your area is a good one. Most office's keep a list of referrals. I know our's does.

Just my two cents worth....